New personal coaching app tracks sleep, diet, fitness

Trying to get fit
or lose weight but lacking the motivation and willpower? A new app that acts
like a digital personal coach monitors fitness, activity, sleep and diet and
provides tips for health and productivity.

The app called
Larklife gathers data via a wristband and provides personalized advice, which
is displayed on the smartphone app. It can deduct if the wearer is not getting
enough sleep and how sedentary they are, according to its creators.

The
California-based creators say it's as if you had your own personal fitness
trainer, productivity coach and sleep coach all working together to give you
the easiest way to improve at this moment.

After a poor
night's sleep, for example, the app might suggest extra protein for breakfast,
based on research that it can improve mental focus when someone is sleep
deprived. Thirty minutes after a workout, it might remind the user to drink
water to keep hydrated.

The app is part
of the growing wearable technology market, which is expected to nearly double
by 2014, according to researchers. Many wearable technology devices connect
with smartphone apps to display the data they gather.

There is a
growing supply of health and fitness tracking apps and gadgets on the market,
including the Nike+ FuelBand, Fitbit and Jawbone UP. This new app, however, provides real-time
advice and does not focus on tracking metrics like calories burned or distance
traveled.

While data is important
as the first step, most people then want to know what those numbers mean to
them. The Larklife app provides coaching and positive reinforcement wirelessly
in real-time.

The app's advice is
a gentle nudge and friendly reminder at the time when you're supposed to be
doing it that just pushes you to take that extra little step, say the creators.

The app was
developed with sleep, nutrition, fitness and circadian rhythm experts and
neuroscientists.

For dieters the
app automatically logs meal times and can record more detailed information, such
as type of food consumed. It will be available for iPhone and iPod touch
devices in December. The wristband will be sold in Apple stores and online in
the United States in December for $149.99.
Holiday gift idea perhaps?

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.